Mask



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E. W. MULLARD Em MASK Filed Jan. 2, 1932 2 Sheets--Shee'l'l l,

INVENTOR.

A// A TTORNE Y w3@ E. W. BULLARD MASK Filed Jan. 2, .1.932 2 sheets-sheet 2 ntented Apr. 7, 1936 i UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICEl MASK A Edward W. Bullard, San Francisco, Calif., as-

signor, by mesne assignments, to E. lli. Bullard Company, San Francisco, Salif., a corporation of California Application January 2, 1932, Serial o. 584,353

laims.

Another object of my invention is to provide a gas mask which may be quickly placed and secured in the wearing position.

Another object of my invention is to provide a gas mask which may be worn with some degree of comfort.

Further objects of my invention include the provision, in a mask of the character described, of improved means for mounting the eyepieces, and of a simple and effective means of draining collected perspiration. i The invention possesses other objects and features of advantage,`some of which, with the foregoing, will be set forth in the following description of my invention. It is to be understood that I do not limit myself to this disclosure of species of my invention, as I may adopt variant embodiments thereof within the scope of the claims.

Referring to the drawings;

Figure 1 is a front elevational view showing a gas mask embodying my invention; and

Figure 2 is a side view oi the same.

Figure 3 is a horizontal sectional View of the face piece taken in a plane indicated by the line t-t of Figure 1. l

Figure 4 is a front elevational view showing portions of the eyepiece and its mounting.

Figure 5 is a vertical sectional view of the eyepiece and its mounting, taken in a plane indicated by the line 5 5 of Figure l.

Figure 6 is a vertical sectional view of the air duct and its mounting, taken in a plane indicated by the line ii--t of Figure 1.

Figure 7 is a detail vertical sectional view taken in a plane indicated by the line li--l of Figure l, and shows one of the harness adjusting buckles.

` Figure 8 is a iront elevational view showing the mask and its connecting harness; and

Figure 9 is a side elevational view of the same. i In terms of broad Vinclusion the mask embodying my invention comprises a face piece having an aperture therein, and a non-fogging eyepiece in the aperture and comprising a sheet of transparent moisture absorbent material. In a gas mask construction the face piece is formed to fit over the face of the wearer; and is provided with edge portions of soft flexible material adapted. to hug the face, so that the suction created in the mask by inhaling operates to draw the edge portions of the face piece against the face and prevent the'entrance of air. In other words, the face piece is designed to operate as a valve t for permitting escape of air during exhaling, but preventing they entrance of air during inhaling. l

In the preferred form of my invention the face piece is imolded from a suitable material, such.

as soit rubber, to provide a face piece of integral mass; and the molded piece is preferably formed with thickened central portions to hold the same in shape, and with thin edge portions to give the valve action desired. A harness is also prog vided for holding-the face piece loosely against the wearers face, and quick acting means are provided for connecting the face piece and harness together in the wearing position.

In greater detail, and referring particularly to Figures l to 3, the gas mask embodying my invention comprises a face piece 2, formed to ilt over the face of the wearer, and having soft ilexible edge portions d adapted to hug the face so that the suction created in the mask by inhaling operates to draw the edge portions of the face piece against the face and prevent the entrance oi poisonous air. By this construction the face piece cooperates with the face to function as a valve for permitting escape of air during. exhaling, but preventing the entrance of air during inhaling. The face piece is preferably molded from a suitable material, such as soft rubber, to provide a piece oiI integral mass.

The molded piece is preferably formed with thickened central portions, preferably in the nature of an outwardly projecting rib Il arranged between the eyes of the wearer, for holding the face piece in shape and for preventing bending and cracking across this point. The molded face piece is also provided with thin edge portions to give the soft flexible character to the edge portions Ii to permit the valve action above described. A cupped portion li is provided below the rib t to arch over the nose of the wearer; and an annular nozzle portion l is provided directly below the cupped portion t for receiving the end of an air duct IB. Also, adjacent each side of the reinforcing rib ll, a tubular projection 9 is formed to provide a mounting for the eyepieces il.

Referring particularly to Figures 4 and; 5, the outer end o`f each tubular projection 9 is provided With an enlarged portion forming a bead l2 havinga groove i3 adapted to receive the edges of the eyepiece il. The eyepiece is held over the rim of the bead l2; the ring being preferably formed from a strip of metal having a lip I6 in one end thereof engageable with a suitable slot I1 in the other end. Ihis simple mounting means for the eye pieces securely holds the latter in place, and at the same time seals the joints against the entrance of poisonous air.

When a mask is being worn the inner surfaces of the eyepieces tend to become fogged, and thereby obstruct the vision of the wearer. In order to prevent this from happening a nonfogging eyepiece is provided, comprising a sheet of moisture absorbent material, such as moisture pervious cellophane. The preferred form of nonfogging eyepiece embodying my invention comprises a plate I8 of transparent material, such as glass, having a sheet or film I9 of transparent regenerated cellulose coated on its inner surface. The reason that this eyepiece will not fog is that the cellulose film absorbs moisture, and does not permit the moisture to precipitate on the surface thereof. When the mask is not in us'e the absorbed moisture will be given out to the atmosphere.

There is of course a saturation point for the film, which, if reached, would no doubt cause the eyepiece to fog. However, in actual tests of wearing the mask for considerable periods of time, I have found that the eyepieces do not fog. While the non-fogging eyepiece of my invention is particularly useful in connection with a mask, such as a gas mask, it is to be understood that its non-iogging properties make it desirable for use in conjunction with goggles, or

any other type of eye shield.

As best shown in Figure 6, the air duct 8 is arranged to engage within the end of the nozzle portion 1 of the face piece. An annular groove 2| formed adjacent the inner end of the duct is provided for receiving the end of the nozzle 1,

` and a locking ring 22 is clamped over the nozzle for forcing the latter down into the groove. For further protection, an elastic ring 23, preferably in the nature of a rubber band, is disposed over the junction between the nozzle 1 and duct 8. This simple arrangement insures a tight seal against the entrance of poisonous air at this junction.

The outer end of lthe duct 8, directly in line with the passage opening into the mask, is provided with an annular opening 24 covered by a rubber diaphragm 26. The diaphragm overlaps the edge portion of the duct 8 bounding the opening 24, and'is preferably held in place by a rubber ring 21 engaging a groove 28 formed in the duct 8; the diaphragm 26 and retaining ring 21 being secured together at.severa1 points by rub-- ber connecting elements 29. By this arrangement, the diaphragm 26 operates as a check valve to permit free escape of air during exhaling, but preventing the entrance of air during inhaling. The diaphragm 26 is preferably protected by a cover plate 3l held spaced from the diaphragm by the clip arms 32.

The lower end of the duct 8 is provided with a tubular portion.33 adapted for receiving'a connection leading to a suitable canister. Neither the canister nor the connection to the mask is shown; it being understood that any known or desirable type may be employed.

When a mask is being worn considerable perspiration collects and runs down the inside of ,the face piece. It is not desirable that the perspirag tion reach. the diaphragm 26, and in Order t0 `the chin of the wearer.

secured in the groove by a channel ring I4 clipped prevent this from happening an inwardly projecting annular flange 34 is formed on the duct 8 about its inner opening. This flange is continuous save for a slot 36 out through the lower portions thereof, so that the perspiration in running down the face piece will be deflected by the flange 34 and conveyed to the slot or opening 36 provided at its lower portion` Since the head of the wearer is usually tilted forwardly slightly, the collected perspiration will pass through the ange opening 36 and hence run down the inner surface of the air duct 8 and out thru the tubular projection 33.

A harness is provided for holding the mask loosely against the wearers face. Since the valve action of the face piece operates to seal the edges of the piece against the entrance of poisonous air, it is not'necessary that the mask be pulled tightly against the face, as is the case with other types of masks. For this reason the mask oi' my invention may be worn with some degree of comfort. Referring particularly to Figure 8, the harness preferably comprises a plurality of connected straps adapted to fit over the wearers i head. A plurality of the straps 31 are connected to the face piece along the top portion and along one side thereof. 'Ihe connection between these straps and the face piece is preferably adjustable, such as by suitable buc les 38.

As best shown in Figure 7, the buc es are preferably mounted on strips-39 formed as apart of the face piece. By this arrangement the rivets 4|, or other suitable connecting means, do not extend to the interior of the face piece. This prevents any possibility of poisonous air passing through the face piece at these points. By semipermanently connecting the straps 31 along the top portions and along one side of the face piece, the mask may be placed in the wearing position quickly and without disturbing the buckle connections. Another strap 42 is also provided on the harness, and is arranged to extend to a, point along the side edge of the face piece opposite the side to which the straps 31 are connected, and quick acting means, such as the hook 43 and eye 44, are provided for connecting this latter strap to th-e face piece.

It is to be noted that one of the straps 31 is buckled to the face piece at the upper corners thereof and extends upwardly and rearwardly over the top of the wearers head. Note Figure 9. This strap draws on the face in a direction indicated by the arrow 46, and serves as the principal supporting strap; its action being to -draw the chin portion 41 of the face piece snugly against The function o1' the other of the straps 31 isr'largely to hold this main supporting strap in position. l I claim: 'Y

1. A gas mask comprising a molded face piece of soft rubber formed to t over and hug the face of the wearer so that the piece cooperates with the face vto function as a valve for permitting escape of air during exhaling but preventing the entrance of air during inhaling, fastening elements of rubber molded integrally with the face piece and spaced inwardly from the edges thereof, and a harness secured to said fastening elements.

2. A gas mask comprising a molded rubber face piece having a body portion, a flap portion formed as a sheet bordering the body portion and projecting freely from said body so that the flap sheet is free to fold into conformity with the face, whereby substantially an entire side surface of the sheet is drawn into contact with the face to eifect a tight seal when suction is created within the mask, rubber fastening elements molded as an integral part of the face piece and formed on the outer side of the body and inwardly of the marginal ilap so that the latter is left free to open and close against the face in the performance of its functions as a valve.

3. A gas mask comprising a body portion completely covering the front of the wearers face, a marginal portion of flexible material of materially greater width than thickness to provide a thin sheet-like flap and projecting freely from the body of the mask and extending outwardly and rearwardly to overlie the forehead, side and throat portions of the face and approaching these latter face portions substantially tangentially so that the flap sheet is positioned substantially parallel with said face portions and with its inner surface lying flatly against said face portions whereby the soft flexible flap sheet may fold into conformity with irregular features of the wearer and is free to have substantially its entire inner side surface drawn into contact with said portions of the face when suction is created within the mask, and harness straps connected to the outer side of the mask and inwardly of said marginal flap so that the latter is left free to conform with the face in the performance of its functions as a seal.

4. A gas mask comprising a molded rubber face piece having a body portion completely covering the front of the wearers face and having edge portions gradually tapering into a marginal flap of thin sheet rubber having materially greater width than thickness and extending outwardly and rearwardly'to overlie the forehead, side and throat portions of the face and approaching these latter face portions substantially parallel with said face portions and with its inner surface lying flatly against said face portions whereby the soft flexible ilap sheet may fold into conformity with irregular features of the wearer and is free to have substantially its entire inner side surface drawn into contact with saidportions of the face when suction is created within the mask. and harness straps connected to the outer side of the mask and inwardly of said marginal ilap so that the latter is left free to conform with the face in the performance of its functions as a seal. ,Y 5. A gas mask comprising a molded rubber face piece having a body portion completely covering the front of the wearers face and having edge portions gradually tapering into a marginal flap of thin sheet rubber having materially greater width than thickness and extending outwardly and rearwardly to overlie the forehead, side and throat portions of the face and approaching these latter f ace portions substantially tangentially so that th flap sheet is positioned substantially parallel with said face portions and with its inner surface lying flatly against said face portions whereby the soft flexible flap sheet may fold into conformity with irregular features of the wearer and is free to have substantially its entire inner side surface drawn into contact with said portions of th face when suction is created within 'the mask, fastening elements of rubber molded on the outer side of the face piece inwardly of said marginal flap so that the latter is left free to conform with the face in the performanoe of its functions as a seal,l and harness straps connected to said fastening elements.

6. A gas mask comprising a molded rubber face piece having a body portion completely covering the front of the wearers face with a thickened central portion to hold the face piece in shape and having edge portions gradually tapering into a marginal flap of thin sheet rubber having materially greater width than thickness and extending outwardly and rearwardly to overlie the forehead, side and throat portions of the face and approaching these latter face portions substantially t'angentially so that the flap sheet is positioned substantially parallel with said face portions and with its inner surface lying ilatly against said face portions whereby the soft flexible flap sheet may fold into conformity with irregular features of the wearer and is/free to have substantially its entire inner side surface drawn into contact with said portions of the face when suction is created within the mask, and harness straps connected to the outer side of the mask and inwardly of said marginal flap so that the latter is left free to conform with the face in the performance of its functions as a seal.

7. A gas mask comprising a molded rubber face piece having a body portion completely covering the front of the wearers face with eye openings and a thickened central portion between said openings to provide a reinforcing rib for holding the face piece in shape and having edge portions gradually tapering into a marginal flap of thin .sheet rubber having materially greater width than thickness and extending outwardly and rearwardly to overlie the forehead, side and throat portions. of the face and approaching these latter face portions substantially tangentially so that the flap sheet is positioned substantially parallel with said face portions and with its inner surface lying flatly against said face portions whereby the soft exible ap sheet may fold into conformity with irregular features of the wearer and is free to have substatnially its entire inner side surface drawn into contact with said portions of the face when suction is created within the mask, and harness straps connected to the outer side of the mask and inwardly of said marginal flap so that the latter is left free to conform with the face in the performance of its functions as a seal.

8. A gas mask comprising a body portion shaped to ilt over the face of a wearer and provided with sheet-like marginal flap portions Aadapted to extend 'over the forehead, side and throat portions of the face of the wearer in substantially flat parallel relation thereto, said flap portions being sufficiently thin and flexible to yield under suction caused by each inhalation of the wearer whereby substantially the entire inner surface of each flap portion may be drawn by the act of inhaling into sealing contact with the adjacent face portion for preventing the entrance of air into the mask past the flap portions; and a head harness connected to the body -portion of the mask and arranged to hold the mask loosely over the face of the wearer without subjecting the ilap portions to stress when the mask is in use whereby said flap portions are left free to yield to suction within the mask independently of stresses occurring in the harness and in the body of the mask.

EDWAl'jtD W. BULLARD. 

